The hottest days in summer can be a nightmare if your air conditioner is not fully functional. The weather can also leave you with high bills and constant calls to HVAC services. Here are a few tips to make your summertime stress free.
Clean the Conditioner physical unit
People are often careful to clean the inside parts of the AC, but you cannot ignore the external components. Ensure you regularly wipe the condenser and remove any dust or debris that may hinder it from adequately functioning or slowing it down. Get a free quote to know more about your air conditioning unit at stlouisairconditioning.com.
Enlist the services of an HVAC specialist
Before summer, ensure you enlist HVAC services to take a look at your conditioner and carry out maintenance. This act will save you from constant repairs. Ensure your unit is inspected by a certified professional before the summer. This average cost between 70-100 dollars and saves you more in the long run.
Opt for programmed response
You may not always be around to tweak the AC to the surrounding; thus, programmed responses are ideal to ensure that whether you are home or not, it adjusts itself to the air your room requires. Smart thermostats may be more expensive than, but they save you the hustle of having to do it manually as you are not always accurate and can save you up to 30 dollars monthly by doing so.
Place your air conditioner in the shade.
The location of your AC can save you thousands of dollars because proper shading makes it run more efficiently and reduces instances of break down. The air in the shade is also relatively more cooling than the surrounding air, which gives your air conditioner an easier time when cooling it to your house.
Try plant vines
Vines have the same insulation effect as an awning. It grows faster, covering the exterior of one’s house and providing shade. These vines protect the walls from absorbing heat by blocking sunlight that heats the exterior walls.
Avoid placing your thermostat near heat.
Do not place your thermostat near the fridge, Tv sets, or other appliances that produce heat because they make your AC sense the heat and run even longer than required. Ensure that your AC is also installed in a place where the sun does not hit it directly.
Inspect your filters
Check your filters regularly and replace them when need be. This process is essential during summer when dust circulates. Ensure your system is not clogged as this will make your conditioner work harder to provide you with clean air translating to more electricity. When properly inspected and kept up to speed, it saves money and time that you will use in HVAC maintenance.
Invest in landscaping that is AC friendly
Avoid rocky landscapes’ use of asphalt or cement on the west or south side of your house. If these materials are not in the shade, they will heat up and increase your home’s temperature overworking the AC hence affecting your air conditioning strategies.
Use window film
Window films are essential for both summer and winter. They keep your house fresh during summer by reflecting sun rays away from home and keep your house warmer during winter by retaining warmth. Window films thus work hand in hand with your conditioner to ensure your air is cold without eating much into your pocket.
Ensure there is no debris
Look out for shrubs, trees, flowers, or other landscaping that is less than 2 feet away from the house. These stand in the way of proper air circulation, making your air conditioner overwork to provide col air.
Complement your conditioner
Install fans in your home as they are relatively cheaper to maintain than an AC. Check the rooms that are not usually used in the house often and opt for fans to save on cost. Set the fans to move counterclockwise and push the air straight down. You can also increase the fan speed on scorching days to give the same effect as your conditioner.
Buy newer AC models
Newer AC models may be slightly expensive than the older versions, but they come more enhanced and are more efficient than the earlier variants. They are also designed to use less electricity, which translates to monthly savings.
Close all vents
Closing all vents ensures that there is no constant air intake by the compressor on the AC. You can do this by providing that all the ventilators in the room are closed. In cases of gaps in the windows or wall, use durable sealants to seal them up.
Have insulated walls
Ensure that your walls are not too thin that it lets air out and in. If the walls are small, it will be difficult for the conditioner to keep the air fresh. You can also invest in insulators to ensure that you are not overworking your AC. Insulators work to keep your house warm during winter and cool during summer. It can also be inexpensive if you opt for the right type of insulation.
Invest in blinds and shades
Windows let in about 25% of summer heat. Investing in quality shades and blinds block the heat during the sunniest hours of the day, lowering the amount of work your AC has to do.
Use large appliances at night.
Appliances used to bake or wash can be used at night when the air is more relaxed. Large appliances produce a significant amount of heat. You can schedule the operations of dishwashers and ovens in the evening when the cooler temperature will offset their output.
Shut doors to unused rooms
Confine your air conditioner coolness to where it is needed by shutting doors of rooms you are not using. Closed doors confine the fresh air to the required room. This action ensures your conditioner does not overwork cooling rooms where there is no one.
Fit an awning
Fit an awning above windows and doors. They will provide shade and shield your windows from absorbing too much heat. This translates to the amount of air your AC has to cool.
Open windows at night
Opening the windows at night allows for cross breeze. Take advantage of the breezy summer night to enhance cross breeze that will enable you and your loved ones to sleep better at night and cut the electricity cost
These are some of the tips for air conditioning that you can embrace to have a cooler home. You can tell when it needs repair or some attention. These little actions will save you the pain of dealing with a broken AC at odd hours.